The American Red Cross declared a “national blood supply crisis” last week, the second in the history of the humanitarian organization.
Blood donations — which have reached a four-year summer low — are not keeping up with the demand from hospitals. Because of the low supply, the Red Cross is limiting its distribution of type O blood to hospitals.
“When it comes to our type O blood supply, we only have a day’s supply on the shelves, which normally we have multiple days,” said Linda Braddy, CEO for the North Texas region. “It’s very critical right now.”
The blood supply typically drops during the summer as potential donors may be out of their routine, she said. Extreme heat and cyclosporiasis are also contributing to fewer donation appointments this summer. The other declared crisis was during the pandemic, she said.
Although donors of all blood types are always needed, type O blood is especially sought after, Braddy said. Nearly half of the population has type O positive blood, and patients of all blood types can receive O negative blood.
When there is not enough blood, hospitals may have to postpone elective surgeries, and cancer patients may have their treatment delayed, Braddy said. One blood donation can save multiple lives.
The Red Cross supplies around 40% of the nation’s blood, and blood collected in Tarrant County can be sent to help patients in other parts of the United States. The Red Cross also maintains the country’s rare blood bank.
Every person makes a difference, Braddy said.
“Right now, we know that if only three more donors would come to each blood drive this summer, then that would stabilize the blood supply — just three people,” Braddy said.
The blood donation process takes about an hour; actually drawing the blood takes only about 10 minutes.
Those interested in donating can sign up through the Red Cross’ blood donor mobile app, on their website or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
“We’re just asking that people will make an appointment and go as soon as possible because you don’t know when somebody might have an accident and need blood, and it might not be there,” she said. “You can save a life.”
McKinnon Rice is the health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Her position is supported by a grant from Texas Health Resources. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org.
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